NURS 6050 Week 3 Discussion Politics and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act – Step-by-Step Guide

The first step before starting to write the NURS 6050 Week 3 Discussion: Politics and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, it is essential to understand the requirements of the assignment. The first step is to read the assignment prompt carefully to identify the topic, the length and format requirements. You should go through the rubric provided so that you can understand what is needed to score the maximum points for each part of the assignment. It is also important to identify the audience of the paper and its purpose so that it can help you determine the tone and style to use throughout. You can then create a timeline to help you complete each stage of the paper, such as conducting research, writing the paper, and revising it to avoid last-minute stress before the deadline. After identifying the formatting style to be applied to the paper, such as APA, you should review its use, such as writing citations and referencing the resources used. You should also review how to format the title page and the headings in the paper.

How to Research and Prepare for NURS 6050 Week 3 Discussion

The next step in preparing for your paper is to conduct research and identify the best sources to use to support your arguments. Identify the list of keywords from your topic using different combinations. The first step is to visit the university library and search through its database using the important keywords related to your topic. You can also find books, peer-reviewed articles, and credible sources for your topic from PubMed, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. Ensure that you select the references that have been published in the last words and go through each to check for credibility. 

Ensure that you obtain the references in the required format, for example, in APA, so that you can save time when creating the final reference list. You can also group the references according to their themes that align with the outline of the paper. Go through each reference for its content and summarize the key concepts, arguments and findings for each source. You can write down your reflections on how each reference connects to the topic you are researching about. After the above steps, you can develop a strong thesis that is clear, concise and arguable. Next you should create a detailed outline of the paper so that it can help you to create headings and subheadings to be used in the NURS 6050 Week 3 Discussion paper. Ensure that you plan what point will go into each paragraph.

How to Write the Introduction for NURS 6050 Week 3 Discussion

The introduction of the paper is the most crucial part as it helps to provide the context of your work, and will determine if the reader will be interested to read through to the end. You should start with a hook, which will help capture the reader’s attention. You should contextualize the topic by offering the reader a concise overview of the topic you are writing about so that they may understand its importance. You should state what you aim to achieve with the paper. The last part of the introduction should be your thesis statement, which provides the main argument of the NURS 6050 Week 3 Discussion paper.

How to Write the Body for NURS 6050 Week 3 Discussion

The body of the paper helps you to present your arguments and evidence to support your claims. You can use headings and subheadings developed in the paper’s outline to guide you on how to organize the body. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence to help the reader know what point you will be discussing in that paragraph. Support your claims using the evidence conducted from the research, ensure that you cite each source properly using in-text citations. You should analyze the evidence presented and explain its significance and how it connects to the thesis statement. You should maintain a logical flow between each paragraph by using transition words and a flow of ideas.

How to Write the In-text Citations for NURS 6050 Week 3 Discussion

In-text citations help the reader to give credit to the authors of the references they have used in their works. All ideas that have been borrowed from references, any statistics and direct quotes must be referenced properly. The name and date of publication of the paper should be included when writing an in-text citation. For example, in APA, after stating the information, you can put an in-text citation after the end of the sentence, such as (Smith, 2021). If you are quoting directly from a source, include the page number in the citation, for example (Smith, 2021, p. 15). Remember to also include a corresponding reference list at the end of your paper that provides full details of each source cited in your text. An example paragraph highlighting the use of in-text citations is as below:

The integration of technology in nursing practice has significantly transformed patient care and improved health outcomes. According to Smith (2021), the use of electronic health records (EHRs) has streamlined communication among healthcare providers, allowing for more coordinated and efficient care delivery. Furthermore, Johnson and Brown (2020) highlight that telehealth services have expanded access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas, thereby reducing barriers to treatment.

How to Write the Conclusion for NURS 6050 Week 3 Discussion

When writing the conclusion of the paper, start by restarting your thesis, which helps remind the reader what your NURS 6050 Week 3 Discussion paper is about. Summarize the key points of the paper, by restating them. Discuss the implications of your findings and your arguments. End with a call to action that leaves a lasting impact on the reader or recommendations. Now that you understand the politics part, it is time you begin thinking about legislation and advocacy.

How to Format the Reference List for NURS 6050 Week 3 Discussion

The reference helps provide the reader with the complete details of the sources you cited in the paper. The reference list should start with the title “References” on a new page. It should be aligned center and bolded. The references should be organized in an ascending order alphabetically and each should have a hanging indent. If a source has no author, it should be alphabetized by the title of the work, ignoring any initial articles such as “A,” “An,” or “The.” If you have multiple works by the same author, list them in chronological order, starting with the earliest publication. 

Each reference entry should include specific elements depending on the type of source. For books, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the book in italics, the edition (if applicable), and the publisher’s name. For journal articles, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the article (not italicized), the title of the journal in italics, the volume number in italics, the issue number in parentheses (if applicable), and the page range of the article. For online sources, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or the URL at the end of the reference. An example reference list is as follows:

References

Johnson, L. M., & Brown, R. T. (2020). The role of telehealth in improving patient outcomes. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 35(2), 123-130. https://doi.org/10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000456

Smith, J. A. (2021). The impact of technology on nursing practice. Health Press.

An Example NURS 6050 Week 3 Discussion Follows:

Politics and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act

In the world of politics, where legislators are tasked with making crucial decisions that impact the lives of their constituents, the driving force behind many choices is the unrelenting pursuit of re-election. This guiding principle often shapes the intricate dance of policymaking, and it is no different when we consider the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and other vital national policies like those governing Medicare and Medicaid. When examining the ACA, legislators faced a complex calculus of costs and benefits. Each decision, whether to support or oppose it, was meticulously analyzed through the lens of electoral consequences. They understood that the ACA was a contentious issue that could either bolster their re-election chances or send them into the political wilderness.

For those who supported the ACA, they recognized the potential benefits. Embracing the law might endear them to constituents who have experienced improved healthcare access and coverage, enhancing their prospects at the ballot box (Patashnik & Weaver, 2021). They were also acutely aware of the costs. In districts or states where the ACA was met with disdain, supporting it could alienate their core supporters, jeopardizing their re-election. Conversely, legislators advocating for the repeal or replacement of the ACA believed that their stance aligned with the preferences of their electorate. By echoing the sentiments of those who opposed the ACA, they hoped to secure their re-election. However, the risks were evident (Patashnik & Weaver, 2021). Any efforts resulting in reduced healthcare access or coverage could be perceived negatively by constituents and cast a shadow over their electoral prospects.

Beyond the ACA, when legislative leaders deliberate on matters like Medicare and Medicaid, they cast a discerning eye on voter views. They understand that the path to re-election hinges on aligning with the priorities of their constituents. Public opinion carries immense weight. They scrutinize their constituents’ polls, surveys, and feedback to gauge healthcare policy sentiment (Wadhera et al., 2021). The realization that healthcare is a paramount concern for many citizens is never lost on them.

Decisions about programs like Medicare and Medicaid can profoundly affect lives, and they understand the power of these decisions in the electoral calculus. Moreover, legislative leaders must navigate the complex landscape of political ideology. They must represent their party’s values while meeting their diverse constituents’ expectations. Striking this balance is crucial, as it determines their electability (Wadhera et al., 2021). A legislator who aligns too closely with their party’s platform at the expense of their constituents’ views risks losing electoral support.

In conclusion, the world of politics revolves around the quest for re-election, a driving force that influences lawmakers’ decisions on vital issues like the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and healthcare policies such as Medicare and Medicaid. For the ACA, legislators must carefully weigh the potential benefits of supporting or opposing it, considering how these decisions resonate with their constituents. While supporting the ACA may endear them to those benefiting from it, it can alienate those in areas where the ACA is unpopular. Conversely, advocating for repeal or replacement may align with certain voters’ views but poses risks if it reduces healthcare access. On broader national policies, lawmakers pay close attention to public opinion, endeavoring to represent their party’s values while meeting the expectations of their diverse constituents. Balancing these factors ultimately shapes the direction of healthcare policy in the United States.

NURS 6050 Week 3 Discussion References

Patashnik, E. M., & Weaver, R. K. (2021). Policy analysis and political sustainability. Policy Studies Journal, 49(4), 1110–1134. https://doi.org/10.1111/psj.12391

Wadhera, R. K., Figueroa, J. F., Maddox, K. E. J., Rosenbaum, L. S., Kazi, D. S., & Yeh, R. W. (2020). Quality measure development and associated spending by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. JAMA, 323(16), 1614-1616. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2020.1816

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